Shoppers operate in four different 'shopping modes' according to a new study by Nielsen Customized Research. The four modes are: auto-pilot, variety-seeking, buzz, and bargain hunting.

The study involved grocery shoppers, but I wonder what we can learn in our own stores by watching and noticing how customers shop.

Retailers do not have to work hard to find out one of the major improvements they could make to their stores. If you really want to know what shoppers want in your store, all you have to do is listen.